Community Support Services Mentor

Position Title: Community Support Services Mentor 
Location: Greater Milwaukee County Area
Status:  Part Time (5-25 hours weekly)
Pay: $16 - $18/hour, depending on experience

Are you looking for a position that brings purpose to your life? Would you like to wake up every day knowing that you are making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities? Are you ready to join a team that cares deeply for its staff and has an awesome culture? If this sounds like you, then read on for an exciting opportunity to join us at the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin!

Requirements:

We have an immediate opening for a Community Support Mentor to work one-on-one with individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities in their homes and in the community including supporting individuals in their jobs. The Community Support Mentor provides individualized, person-centered support and works towards goals that focus on helping the participant become as independent as possible. For example, a Community Support Mentor might work with a participant on making a healthy snack, learning to count money, safe internet use or providing strategies for success in the workplace. This position will spend their time working one-on-one or in small groups with both children and adults. Day time and late afternoon/early evening hours are needed.
 
As a face of the organization, successful candidates will be extremely positive, energetic, and have a passion for helping individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities to achieve amazing lives.
 
Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Meet with the Case Specialist and the family to determine individual goals
• Consistently model appropriate social skills
• Support participants by practicing, modeling and guiding them through real life experiences
• Research and have the ability to create necessary accommodations for life skills including personal hygiene, meal planning and prep, home upkeep, money management and technology
• Create modifications for the workplace such as visual schedules or checklists
• Maintain and model positive professional working relationships with participants, guardians, employers, and other significant people in their lives
• Advocate for participants as needed and teach advocacy skills
• May need to transport participants within their own vehicle or DSAW van
• Attend required meetings and in-service training sessions
• Assist with personal care as needed. (DSAW staff occasionally provide light assistance in the bathroom or assistance at mealtimes).

Minimum Qualifications
           
Interpersonal

• Must be a sensitive and mature individual who is able to relate well to both children and adults
• Demonstrates warmth, insight, interest, and respect for people with disabilities
• Willingness to accept flexibility with their schedule
• Able and knowledgeable to cope with emergency situations or behavioral situations in a calm and effective manner
• Able and willing to be a team player and to work cooperatively with their supervisor
• Able to communicate effectively with clients and their families

 
Education/Experience

• HS Diploma required or working with individuals with developmental disabilities 
• Minimum age is 18
• Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and insured vehicle
• Applicants must pass a background check that meets State of Wisconsin requirements

 
Physical and Environmental Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the Community Support Mentor will be required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear clearly.  The noise level in the work environment varies from low to high. The job may require the ability to walk, climb stairs, kneel, stoop, and may require the employee to lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The job may require extended periods of sitting or standing.  
 
Benefits include the following:

• Flexible schedule
• Ongoing training opportunities sponsored by DSAW
• Employee referral program (employee will receive $50 if their referral is hired)
• Relaxed dress code at the discretion of your supervisor
• An amazing mission and culture!

 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

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